Clifford Stone Special Report 3a update supplement (January 1995)

Magazine Overview This document consists of a series of letters exchanged between U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman and Clifford E. Stone, Director of the Operation Blue Fly Research Project, concerning the existence and classification of specific U.S. Air Force projects. The correspondence also involves responses from the Department of the Air Force.

Correspondence on Project Moon Dust and Operation Blue Fly

Initial Inquiry and Air Force Response The exchange begins with a letter from Senator Jeff Bingaman to Clifford Stone, dated December 14, 1992. Attached is a communication from the Department of the Air Force, dated December 14, 1992, responding to Senator Bingaman's inquiry on behalf of Mr. Stone. The Air Force, through Lt Col John E. Madison, Jr., initially stated that there was no agency at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, that dealt with UFOs or had information about the Roswell incident. They also explicitly denied the existence of 'Project Moon Dust' or 'Operation Blue Fly,' stating these missions had never existed. The Air Force Historical Agency at Maxwell Air Force Base reportedly found a brief mention of the Roswell object as a 'radar tracking balloon' in their 1947 history and had no further information. The letter also referenced Project Blue Book, noting its discontinuation in 1969 and directing Mr. Stone to the National Archives for its files.

Clifford Stone's Rebuttal and Evidence Clifford Stone, in his letter to Senator Bingaman dated December 27, 1992, strongly refutes the Air Force's initial statements, calling them lies on two counts: the denial of any agency at Fort Belvoir dealing with UFOs, and the denial of Project Moon Dust and Operation Blue Fly. Stone provides 'inclosures' (attachments) as evidence. He points to formerly classified reports from 1987 and 1989 (Inclosures 3 and 4) showing an Air Force unit at Fort Belvoir was interested in UFO sightings in the USSR, which he argues contradicts the claim that no such agency existed. He also cites State Department documents (Inclosures 5-15) as evidence that Project Moon Dust did exist and that a U.S. Air Force 'agency' at Fort Belvoir was heavily involved. Stone references Chapter 6 of his book, 'UFOs: Let the Evidence Speak For Itself,' for further evidence of Operation Blue Fly's existence and the unit's involvement. He notes that the Air Force classified these missions as highly classified, neither confirming nor denying their existence, even when confronted with evidence.

Stone then poses specific questions to Senator Bingaman to demand the truth: What crashed in Roswell in July 1947 (not a weather balloon)? What was recovered in Kecksburg, PA, on December 9, 1965 (not a meteor)? And why are Project Moon Dust and Operation Blue Fly so highly classified that the Air Force would lie about their existence, potentially involving illegal activities or violations of international law?

Amended Air Force Response In a subsequent letter dated April 14, 1993, addressed to Senator Bingaman, Lt Col John E. Madison, Jr. (and later George M. Mattingley, Jr., Colonel, USAF) amends the previous statements. This amended response acknowledges that in 1953, during the Korean War, the Air Defense Command organized intelligence teams at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, responsible for deploying, recovering, or exploiting downed enemy personnel, equipment, and aircraft. This mission was expanded in 1957 to include peace-time functions: a) investigating UFOs, b) Project Moon Dust for recovering objects and debris from space vehicles surviving re-entry, and c) Operation Blue Fly for retrieving downed Soviet Bloc equipment. The Air Force now states that these teams were eventually disbanded due to a lack of activity, and Project Moon Dust and Operation Blue Fly missions were discontinued. They maintain that no UFOs were confirmed downed in the United States, though space objects and debris were occasionally recovered by citizens and turned over to the Air Force. The unit at Fort Belvoir continued to receive reports related to UFOs or Project Moon Dust/Operation Blue Fly and forwarded them to the appropriate authority.

Further Rebuttals and Requests from Clifford Stone Clifford Stone, in a letter dated April 22, 1993, expresses that the Air Force's amended response is still evasive and untruthful. He rebuts the Air Force's timeline, stating that the unit at Fort Belvoir (the 4602d Air Intelligence Service Squadron) was created in 1953 under Air Defense Regulation 24-4 and given responsibility for investigating UFOs under Air Force Regulation 200-2 in August 1953, predating the 1957 expansion mentioned by the Air Force. He clarifies that Project Moon Dust's function was to recover 'FOREIGN SPACE VEHICLES,' and Operation Blue Fly was to facilitate the delivery of Moon Dust items or other 'technical intelligence interest' to the Foreign Technology Division (FTD), including UFOs. He argues that the Air Force's description of these missions as dealing with 'our space vehicles and debris' is misleading.

Stone further challenges the Air Force's claim that the teams were disbanded due to lack of activity. He cites a 1987 Air Force letter to a Mr. Robert Todd admitting the existence of Project Moon Dust, stating it was replaced by 'another name which is not releaseable' and that FTD's duties were listed in a classified passage. Stone asserts that hundreds of State Department documents indicate the recovery of objects of 'unknown' origin, often requiring the use of these teams in foreign countries, and that the U.S. was sometimes directed to downplay knowledge of these events. He also notes a document indicating Moon Dust and Blue Fly were active during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Stone also addresses the Air Force's response regarding enclosures 3 and 4 of his letter, which the Air Force characterized as debriefings of Soviet sources for historical interest. Stone counters that these were classified Air Force Intelligence Reports (IIR 1 517 0002 88 and IIR 1 517 0619 90) dealing directly with UFO sightings in Shadrinsk and Soviet aircrew sightings, with no reference to Soviet missiles or MIGs, questioning their 'incidental' nature.

Stone then requests that Senator Bingaman demand the following documents from the Air Force: the new name for Project Moon Dust and its regulations; all Air Force documents on Project Moon Dust and Operation Blue Fly, including those previously denied; copies of AFCIN SOP and ICGL #4; and the Operation Blue Fly Report concerning the Acme, PA incident. He argues that if the Air Force cannot provide these, they are hiding something, especially since the missions are claimed to have no further useful purpose.

Final Plea for Transparency Stone concludes by stating that if the Air Force cannot provide the requested documentation, he is willing to accept a full and honest explanation as to why it cannot be released. He believes the Air Force is holding back information, possibly related to violations of international law, and urges Congress to be made aware of all facts. He reiterates that Project Moon Dust and Operation Blue Fly did exist and questions why information about them remains highly classified if they had no significant purpose.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this exchange are government secrecy, alleged cover-ups of UFO-related activities, and the struggle for transparency between citizens, elected officials, and military/intelligence agencies. Clifford Stone adopts a persistent and accusatory stance, challenging the official narratives and demanding accountability. The Air Force, initially dismissive, eventually amends its statements but maintains a position of limited disclosure, citing classification and lack of confirmed UFO activity. The underlying tension is the perceived obfuscation by the government regarding potentially significant historical events and projects.

This document compilation focuses on U.S. Air Force intelligence projects, primarily 'BLUE FLY' and 'MOON DUST,' with historical context from the 'HISTORY OF AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER' covering July 1, 1954, to December 31, 1954. The core of the material includes an interview and subsequent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) responses related to these projects.

Project BLUE FLY and MOON DUST

Interview with 2nd Lt. Joseph E. Thompson (January 7, 1963)

An interview with 2nd Lt. Joseph E. Thompson of the Air Force Foreign Technology Division (AFMDC) on January 7, 1963, provides insight into Project BLUE FLY and Project MOON DUST.

Project BLUE FLY originated in 1961 as part of the Foreign Technology Division's activities to "exploit" enemy materials, specifically Soviet hardware that came into US or allied possession.

Project MOON DUST was named for the exploitation of large booster, missile, and satellite equipment that fell from the air, citing an example of Soviet equipment that fell into Wisconsin.

During the Cuban crisis, two BLUE FLY teams were established at AFMDC. The first team consisted solely of military personnel, prepared for immediate reaction, any invasion, or deployment to selected points to review equipment falling into US hands. The second team was a hybrid of military and civilian personnel, conceived for "cool spots" where security was assured. At the time of the interview, the first team had an aircraft on standby alert, with equipment issued, awaiting deployment orders. The second team was available on a 48-hour call.

AFMDC's participation was partly limited by its geographical location, as other AFSC Centers/Divisions and the Foreign Technology Division possessed similar capabilities. The three operations or projects were effectively compiled into one team.

Financing the Operation: Supply items were procured through normal channels. Justifying the need for specialized equipment like special cameras and recording equipment was difficult. During the Cuban crisis, the BLUE FLY team was supplied with normal items, including "B-4(?) bags and 45 calibre automatics." "TOY" funds were used for the operation, justified through normal Finance funds. The primary challenge was budgeting for anticipated operations. For the upcoming fiscal year, $41,000 was to be requested in travel funds. Lt. Thompson highlighted the issue of split responsibility, with orders originating from FTD but the operational command structure being less clear.

Historical Context: Air Technical Intelligence Center (1954-1954)

A document titled "HISTORY OF AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER" covering July 1, 1954 - December 31, 1954, notes that "Blue Fly" remained in a "stand-by" status during that reporting period and was not activated. A problem arose concerning the priority classification assigned to the "Blue Fly" project by the 18th Air Force. The liaison officer, Major Harold M. Bergeson, and the ATIC Project Monitor met to resolve this and other minor issues. The document also lists related projects: Project 40001 (Collection of ATI Information - Specific Requests) and Project 40020 (Collection of ATI Information - Foreign Equipment and Materiel).

Later, Hq 62d Troop Carrier Wing (Heavy) implemented an operations plan to provide complete support for "Blue Fly" within twelve hours of an alert notice. Four ATIC officers were assigned as assistant project monitors to ensure personnel availability, taking priority over other Operations Section projects when "Blue Fly" was alerted for travel.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Responses

Several documents detail responses to FOIA requests regarding Projects BLUE FLY and MOON DUST, indicating a significant level of classification and withholding of information.

Response to Mr. Clifford E. Stone (June 5, 1991)

This letter responds to a FOIA request dated December 25, 1989, regarding "Projects or Operations known as BLUE FLY, MOON DUST, AFCIN SOP, and ICGL#4." The Air Force could neither confirm nor deny the existence of records, stating that any response could reveal classified information concerning military plans, weapons, or operations under Executive Order 12356. The request was denied under 5 U.S.C. Section 552(b)(1) and Air Force Regulation 12-30. The denial authority was Major General James R. Clapper, Jr., Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence. Mr. Stone was informed of his right to appeal to the Secretary of the Air Force.

Response to Mr. Robert Todd (July 1, 1987)

This letter addresses a FOIA request dated April 17, 1986. It states that the nickname "Project Moondust" no longer exists officially and has been replaced by another, non-releasable name. The duties of the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) were listed in a classified passage within a classified regulation, which was withheld because it was properly classified under 5 U.S.C. 552 b(1) and AFR 12-30. The recipient was advised on how to appeal the decision to the Secretary of the Air Force. The signatory was Colonel Phillip E. Thompson, USAF, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence.

Response to Mr. C. E. Stone (December 21, 1994)

This letter responds to a recent FOIA/Congressional request from Mr. Stone. After a thorough search of historical materials, the AF History Support Office enclosed two of three documents related to Operation Blue Fly/Project Moon Dust. Both documents had recently been declassified as a result of another FOIA request. The third document was still under FOIA review, with further information to be provided upon completion of the process.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these documents are military intelligence operations focused on acquiring and analyzing foreign technology, the classification and declassification of sensitive information, and the procedural aspects of responding to Freedom of Information Act requests. The editorial stance, as inferred from the official responses, is one of strict adherence to national security protocols, with a clear emphasis on withholding classified information related to military projects and operations, even when acknowledging their historical existence.